Why iconic Roger Federer images in Wimbledon's Royal Box have amazed tennis fans - 'The king of Centre Court'
Updated 08/07/2026 at 07:39 GMT+1
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Roger Federer loves tennis, pass it on. At least that’s the conclusion to be drawn from the iconic images of one of the all-time greats being spotted all alone in the Wimbledon Royal Box on Centre Court on Monday evening.
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Eight-time Wimbledon champion Federer was one of the guests in the Royal Box for the day’s action along with Formula One driver Kimi Antonelli and Arsenal and England striker Alessia Russo.
The Centre Court schedule started at 13:30 (UK time), with Jasmine Paolini’s three-set win over Alexandra Eala, before British wildcard Arthur Fery stunned Grigor Dimitrov in five sets.
By the time the third match of the day, between Alexander Zverev and Jiri Lehecka, started, it was around 20:30 - and most of those in the Royal Box had decided that they had seen enough tennis.
In fact, almost the whole Royal Box was deserted.
But among the seats aisles there was one eager viewer left on the front row - Federer.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner didn’t look tennis-ed out as he was seen smiling to himself as he watched French Open champion Zverev face Lehecka.
Federer didn’t leave his seat until the close of proceedings at 23:00 when play was suspended with Zverev leading 6-4 7-5 3-3.
Roger Federer in the Royal Box on Centre Court
Image credit: Getty Images
Needless to say, the images of Federer sitting alone in the front row only added to his iconic status among fans, many of whom were impressed that he was the last man standing.
"The legend that is Roger Federer," said Chris Bradnam on commentary as Zverev v Lehecka started.
"An eight-time champion, and the king of Centre Court. It’s great that he is here, he’s been there all day, and he’s here for ball No. 1.
"Always said he played tennis because he just loved it, and he loves watching it as well."
Zverev said after completing victory on Tuesday that it was "very nice" of Federer to stick around.
"He was at some point sitting alone completely in the Royal Box. I think it was a phenomenal sight."
Fery had earlier said that it was "incredible" to see Federer watching his match, given he had seen the Swiss play at Wimbledon himself when he was younger.
"When I switched the TV on in the changing rooms for the first match, the women's match, I saw Roger was in the Royal Box," he said.
"I didn't know he was coming, I sent a message to my team saying, ‘look, Roger's in the box, I'm pretty tight’."
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Fery added: "It's incredible to be in that position where one of the greatest of all time is watching you, let alone watching me play a five-set match against Dimitrov on Centre Court at Wimbledon."
Paolini said her win over Eala was made even more special because of the presence of Federer.
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"I feel so lucky to have this opportunity, and to get the win as well," she said.
"I want to thank you, Roger, because you are my idol. It was tough. During the match I kept thinking, 'please concentrate. Don't think about him being here'.
"I was watching all the finals of all the tournaments he played here, so it's an amazing feeling. Thank you to everyone - you make the tournament so special. It is an amazing feeling to be here now with the win."
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